Job-sharing

Hardly any of us who work can complain about having too little work. Regardless of whether we work at home, in an office, at a building site or anywhere else, we always have sufficient work to make up the day’s quota.

Nevertheless it happens that sometimes some have more or less to do than others. Sometimes someone dislikes a specific task more than other tasks. In such a case it is beneficial to share the task between all the workers. “Do it yourself, it’s not my job” is a response which stems from a bad atmosphere.

When I have completed the my daily work, I usually check if anyone else still has a lot to do and offer to help. That is what the division of labour is all about.

Our scripture for today is one of the few where we see that this was even the case in Paul’s time. So many of his letters were not even written by him. It is impossible to determine it today, but some of them are written by one of his scholars or he dictated it to a brother. He then only contributed the greeting or the closing. The rest he delegated or shared.

We should stick to this principle in our communities too. Not, what someone doesn’t do others also fail to do, no, we all have our specific talents with which we are able to serve our brothers and sisters. Be it ministries such as preaching or pastoral care, or the simple tasks such as kitchen duty or cleaning – everyone can do something and everyone is needed. Regardless of who can do what, no-one is above another, every task is equally important!

What is your talent? How can you serve your brothers and sisters?

I wish you a blessed day.

Rainer Gigerich